it sped by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it sped by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that moved quickly past a certain point or was experienced in a fleeting manner. Example: "As I stood on the platform, the train sped by, leaving a rush of wind in its wake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Children waved to our van as it sped by.

The New York Times - Travel

Crossing Lenox Avenue, the Dutch cameraman paused in the middle of the street to film an ambulance as it sped by with sirens blaring.

The New Yorker

In addition, these entries gave me the opportunity to take a step back and reflect on my MIT experience as it sped by, with days fading into months and months fading into years.

Stanford University

This time, there was a buoy several hundred miles off Peru that recorded the tsunami as it sped by at more than 400 miles per hour, three hours after the earthquake.

The New York Times - Science

The probe, 136 million miles from Earth when it sped by the comet on Saturday, recorded many black-and-white images and observed the strange environment around the comet during the close encounter.

The New York Times

He tore through the hellbent "Paganini" portrait, with its impossible leaps, at a faster tempo than what would seem humanly possible; it sped by in a roar of furious sound and a frenzy of hand-blurring motion.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It speeds by.

The Guardian - Books

But a simple tool can make it speed by.

The New York Times

To that end, as it speeds by at 30,000 miles per hour, New Horizons will use its seven instruments to drink up information about Pluto's composition, surface features, atmosphere and moons.

Stanford University

It speeds by in a blur of unsettling, sometimes sickening images, and does not come to a conclusion so much as suddenly spit out the spectator, bringing the awful ride to an end.

The New York Times

From there it is sped by short-wave.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it sped by" to create a vivid image of fleeting moments or swiftly passing objects, enhancing the descriptive quality of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "was sped by" or similar passive constructions when a more direct and active voice is appropriate, as it can make the sentence unnecessarily convoluted. For example, instead of "The process was sped by the new software", prefer "The new software sped up the process".

Linguistic Context

Descriptive verb phrase. "It sped by" functions to vividly describe the rapid movement or passage of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English and provides examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

23%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it sped by" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes the rapid movement or passage of something. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples from varied sources like The New York Times and academic institutions. While not overly common, it effectively conveys swiftness and is suitable for neutral writing registers. Consider alternatives like "it rushed past" or "it flew by" for nuanced variations. Remember to avoid passive constructions to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it rushed past

Emphasizes the speed and force of movement.

it flew by

Suggests a light and effortless swiftness.

it zipped past

Implies a quick, sharp movement.

it whizzed by

Conveys a sense of rapid motion accompanied by a whizzing sound.

it swept past

Highlights a smooth and continuous motion at speed.

it blurred past

Focuses on the visual effect of extreme speed, making details indistinguishable.

it flashed by

Indicates a very brief and sudden appearance.

it shot past

Emphasizes the directness and speed of the movement.

it raced by

Highlights the competitive or urgent nature of the speed.

it zoomed past

Suggests a rapid, often playful or exaggerated speed.

FAQs

What does "it sped by" mean?

The phrase "it sped by" means something moved or happened very quickly. It implies swiftness and a brief duration.

How can I use "it sped by" in a sentence?

You can use "it sped by" to describe the rapid movement of an object (e.g., "The car sped by") or the quick passage of time (e.g., "The summer sped by").

What can I say instead of "it sped by"?

You can use alternatives like "it rushed past", "it flew by", or "it zipped past" depending on the context.

Is "it sped by" formal or informal?

"It sped by" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the overall tone and style of the writing.